Casey and Peanut: Taurine - Your Pets Super Food

Taurine (Powder)

What is Taurine?

Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic of conversation when referring to the nutritional composition that makes up the human and animal physical structure. Once thought of as an unimportant A.A. recent studies prove that this amino acid has metabolic properties that are very beneficial to various components of the mammal skeletal system. (heart, kidneys, blood)
Taurine – “A colorless crystalline substance, C2H7NO3S, formed by the hydrolysis of taurocholic acid and found in the fluids of the muscles and lungs of many animals.” (dictionary.com)

Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an organic acid that is abundant in the tissues of many animals (metazoa).[1] Taurine is also found in plants, fungi, and some bacterial species, but at lower levels. Taurine is a derivative of the sulfur-containing (sulfhydryl) amino acid, cysteine.

Taurine’s main purpose is to act as a catalyst facilitating the flow of vital elements to and from cells. Elements such as Sodium, (Na) Potassium, (k) and Calcium (ca) depend on Taurine in order for them to move from one cell to another.

Taurine and Pets

Taurine has been a present element in cat food due to its vital properties and just recently pet food manufacturers have been implementing Taurine into dog foods also realizing that this A.A. can be very beneficial to dogs as well as cats. Taurine is most abundantly found in the retina and cases of blindness have been linked to Taurine deficiency in kittens, however in most cases, the same studies showed a reversal of the blindness when Taurine supplements were administered. Taurine is also very beneficial for the heart, and cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (A disease or disorder of the heart muscle, especially of unknown or obscure cause.) have been linked to low Taurine levels in kittens.

Taurine is essential for cat health, as a cat cannot synthesize the compound. The absence of taurine causes a cat's retina to slowly degenerate, causing eye problems and (eventually) irreversible blindness. This condition is called central retinal degeneration (CRD).[15][16] In addition, taurine deficiency can cause feline dilated cardiomyopathy, and supplementation can reverse left ventricular systolic dysfunction. (Pion et al 1988) Taurine is now a requirement of the AAFCO and any dry or wet food product labeled approved by the AAFCO should have a minimum of 0.1% Taurine. For further AAFCO requirements for cats, consult the table here.

What About Taurine For Dogs Health?

I know the average dog owner may look at what I just wrote and say something to the effect of “why are you telling me this? I’m sure if this Taurine is so important, my dog food manufacturer will add it to my dog’s food.” Well I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but in actual fact, most dog food manufacturers are out to make a buck, not to make sure that your dog is getting the best optimal diet. That is why doing research and knowing as much as you can about what you are feeding your dog is so important. Dogs will usually eat anything that you give them, that is why in my case, I will always ensure that I familiarize myself with every component that makes up my dog’s food, to ensure that he is getting a stable diet enriched with all the required components to allow him to function at the top of his game.

Whether you realize it or not, research takes time and money. In some cases to compete with competition, dog food manufacturers taking the time and using the resources that are necessary to properly study a potential additive, is just not an option. In today’s world where manufacturers are vying for your attention time is of the essence and this can sometimes be a hindrance when it comes to properly researching and analyzing potential additions to the given product. Sometime when its cold and rainy and you cant face the outside world, you might find it beneficial to “Google” a known shady dog food manufacturer and compare their dog food with what you feed your dog. Then “Google” a known high quality manufacturer and do the same comparison. I am certain that you will find this simple exercise quite fascinating, I did.

Natural Sources Of Taurine in our Everyday Meals

Taurine is extremely important. We can find it in raw meats, especially. Eggs are also a great source. In a raw food diet, it's extremely important to make sure your dog (or cat!) gets enough taurine. Higher concentrations can be found in organ meats - brain, heart (really great)..... a lack of taurine in your pet's diet leads to renal failure.

Other Sources of Taurine ie (Powder / Tablets Form)

Taurine is found in a variety of meats, dairy products and eggs, the amino acid Taurine can be obtained from the diet in minimal amounts. Unfortunately, physical activity depletes our Taurine reserves faster than most people can produce it.

As a result, vegetarians, athletes and individuals lacking meat in their diets are at the greatest risk for deficiency, and stand to benefit the most from supplementing this life-crucial nutrient. As a catalyst to general amino acid efficiency as well as one of the most abundant amino acids in the human body, Taurine has a number of useful health benefits.

As a key constituent of bile acids, it helps the body absorb other nutrients with greater ease while moderating healthy cellular activity. It has also been known to exhibit antioxidant properties that may help protect muscular regions of the eye.*